The loss of a lower limb has severe implications for an individual’s mobility, and their ability to perform activities of daily living. Many people may struggle to participate and integrate into society after they have had an amputation. The ultimate goal of amputee rehabilitation is to help the individual return to a high level of social reintegration and learn how to successfully use a prosthesis. 

When can I start amputee rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation usually starts immediately after the surgery, and even in some cases, before the amputation surgery. Amputees should perform pre-prosthetic exercises to help maintain range of motion and improve muscle strength in preparation for using the prosthetic limb.

The pre-operative rehabilitation process starts with an objective assessment looking at your range of motion and muscle power. Using the assessment findings, knowledge of prosthetic componentry and gait patterns, we can start putting together a treatment plan.

Pre-prosthetic physical therapy helps to prevent complications post-surgery and strengthen and prepare the patient for a prosthesis while the limb is healing.

What does amputee rehabilitation involve?

We start the rehabilitation process with a rehabilitation treatment plan. The treatment plan covers the entire course of the rehabilitation process and is used to guide the recovery and rehabilitation process.

As a multidisciplinary practice, we have a team of practitioners to assist with a wide variety of therapies and tasks. Our physiotherapists assist patients with developing their movement through exercise. Their goals are to improve muscle strength and range of motion.

Our occupational therapists are also on-hand to assist with specific tasks – like learning how to cook, clean, get dressed, drive and work. 

What is Prosthesis Training?

Once the patient is fitted for a prosthesis, their treatment focuses on training for its use with specialised physical therapy to regain optimal mobility, increase endurance, and maximise function and comfort. We have extensive resources and understanding and to address pain and the relearning of daily living skills through our occupational therapy sessions designed for amputees.

Our amputation therapy team believes that a combination of individual and group therapy sessions is most successful in the rehabilitation of patients. Individual therapy allows our patients to work one-on-one with their therapists. The aim is to focus on specific personalised goals and needs, such as arm function or walking. Group therapy allows patients with similar issues to work together with our clinical staff- a practice which is vital in providing support and inspiration throughout the rehabilitation process.

Quality prosthesis you can trust

Our therapists work in cooperation with Prosthetic specialists, Grant Monaghan & Associates to deliver a service that is streamlined and aids in optimising independence. We have a range of specialised equipment including from Biodex, including the Biodex FreeStep Supported Ambulation System, Biodex Unweighing System and Gait Trainer and Biodex Balance System SD. 

Getting back to work after amputation

At Rehab Matters, we know that there’s more to rehabilitation than the ability to function. We focus on community and vocational re-entry that individualises occupational therapy prosthetic training. The aim of therapy is to help patients get back to work, exercise and social activities as soon as possible.